Clinical Pastoral Education

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the different types of CPE?

  The CPE Center at SRHS is accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. to offer Level I and Level II CPE, as well as CPE Certified Education training. The outcomes for each level must be completed before moving to the next level. Please contact the Department of Spiritual Care and Education for specifics on the availability of openings in each of the different programs.

• I am a clergy person currently working in a congregation. Can I apply to CPE?

  Yes, the part-time CPE program may be a perfect fit for you. CPE is helpful training for spiritual care giving, counseling and teaching in a faith community. CPE aims to integrate theological, psychological and practical learning for any person in ministry. A single unit of CPE is considered a volunteer educational opportunity; it does not result in employment.

• What are the essential elements of CPE?

  • The actual practice of spiritual care 
  • Detailed reporting and evaluation of that practice 
  • Process-oriented, relational learning 
  • A theoretical rationale for all program elements 
  • A small group of peers in a common learning experience 
  • A specific time period 
  • An individualized learning contract consistent with the objectives of CPE 
  • Clinical Supervision by an ACPE Certified Educator in an ACPE accredited Center 

• Can I get CPE credit for previous work/ministry experience?

  No, ACPE credit is not granted for previous work experience, though your previous work/ministry experience is a consideration during the interview/acceptance process.

• What kinds of things might I learn in CPE?

  • Self-awareness through reflection on one's self as a person and a spiritual caregiver in relationship to people in crisis, the Certified Educator, other chaplains and peer group members 
  • Deeper understandings of personal and pastoral identity issues in learning and ministry 
  • Competence in functioning as spiritual care giver in a professional ministry role 
  • A variety of spiritual care skills as well as theoretical knowledge relevant to effective ministry 
  • How to make a spiritual assessment and document it in an electronic chart record 
  • How to consult the research literature to inform your practice of spiritual care 

• I want to become a professional chaplain. What do I need to do?

  The path towards becoming a professional chaplain starts with graduate level theological education. Students must earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited university or seminary. The Council of Higher Education Association website can help determine if an educational institution’s accreditation is recognized.

  After graduating and gaining some experience in ministry, completing at least four units of CPE, and being endorsed by their faith group, chaplaincy candidates are eligible for certification. In addition to demonstrating the competencies of professional chaplaincy in writing, candidates also appear in front of a committee, which assesses the competencies in person. The professional standards that all certifying bodies share are called the Common Qualifications and Competencies.

  The following websites of the certifying bodies are also helpful:

  • The Association of Professional Chaplains
  • The National Association of Catholic Chaplains
  • The National Association of Jewish Chaplains
  • The Association of Muslim Chaplains
  • Buddhist Chaplains

• What should I expect when I am invited to an admission interview?

  The interview is different from a regular job interview. The main goal is to get to know you and determine your ability to make use of an experiential educational program. You will be invited to share your learning goals, describe formative experiences and speak to your potential as an effective professional spiritual care giver. The admission interview will engage you on multiple levels – emotional, intellectual, personal and professional.

• When might I hear back after an interview?

  You can expect that a response in writing may take several weeks. However, decisions are made as close to the interview date as possible.

• Are there any stipends or scholarships?

  The stipend for the residency is $38,000. All other programs do not offer a stipend. You may negotiate a payment plan with your certified educator after the admission interview and prior to the beginning of the program. Some seminaries and theological schools offer work-study money.

• I am an international student. What should I know about the visa process?

  Once you have applied to our center, had an admission interview and were accepted, we will work with you by contacting the national office of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, who will work with you on applying for a visa. The visa process can take six to nine months to complete. The visa must be obtained prior to the beginning of your CPE program at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

• Do I have to be ordained?

  No. However, if you are interested in becoming a board-certified chaplain, you will have to be endorsed by a faith group that is recognized by the certifying body you are seeking. Most endorsers have a path for lay people. You will want to explore what your faith group requires.

• How do I find out about academic credit for CPE?

  Many seminaries and theological schools grant academic credit for CPE. For more detailed information you need to contact your school or seminary.

• Additional information for prospective students

  ACPE-certified CPE is an experience in process education that has been shaped by history and yet remains responsive to the present-day cultural developments that will affect your pastoral formation. The heart of ACPE-certified CPE is your ministry with people and learning from that ministry through reflection, discussion and evaluation with other students and your educator. In your ACPE-certified CPE experience, you will utilize verbatims (in the form of Pastoral Care Reports), case studies, and other ministry descriptions to present your ministry to supervision. The focus in some seminars will be on what is happening to you, the caregiver, as much as on what is happening to the people receiving your ministry. There will be discussions that assist you in understanding theological issues arising from experience. There will be opportunities to learn from behavioral sciences while also reflecting theologically, so you can draw from both in understanding the human condition. You will be challenged to think about groups and social structures as well as individuals in defining your ministry. You also will be part of a dynamic learning group with other students and your educator, which will provide opportunities for mutual supervision, care giving, challenge and appreciation. -  from acpe.edu.